Annex 14. Item 6.7. – Model Article 10.X.15. for infection with SAV, infection with IHNV and infection with VHSV, and Article 10.4.20. for infection with ISAV

Model Article 10.X.15. for Chapter 10.5. Infection with SAV, Chapter 10.6. Infection with VHSV, and Chapter 10.10. Infection with IHNV

**USA COMMENTS IN RED FONT**

CHAPTER 10.X.

INFECTION WITH [PATHOGEN X]

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Article 10.X.15

Importation of *milt* and fertilised eggs of fish~~disinfected eggs~~ for aquaculture from a country, zone or compartment not declared free from infection with [pathogen X] 

**RATIONALE:**The term “milt” should be defined in the Aquatic Code Glossary. See Annex 15 for a proposed definition for this term.   

When importing milt or fertilised eggs of a species referred to in Articles 10.X.2., for aquaculture from a country, *zone* or *compartment* not declared free from infection with [pathogen X], the *Competent Authority* of the *importing country* should ensure that: 

1)	the consignment meets the requirements in Chapter 4.Z.; and

2)	fertilised eggs have been disinfected using a method proven to inactivate pathogenic agents, for salmonid eggs in accordance with recommendations in Chapter 4.5.; and

3)	all water (including ice), equipment, containers and packaging material used in transport are treated to ensure inactivation of [pathogen X] or disposed of in a biosecure manner in accordance with Chapters 4.4., 4.8. and 5.5.; and

4)	all effluent and waste materials are treated to ensure inactivation of [pathogen X] or disposed of in a biosecure manner in accordance with Chapters 4.4. and 4.8.

The *Competent Authority* should consider internal measures, such as additional *disinfection* of the fertilised eggs upon arrival in the *importing country*.

The consignment should be accompanied by an international aquatic animal health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country certifying that the broodstock and the milt and fertilised eggs fulfil the recommendations in Articles 4.Z.3. to 4.Z.7.

**RATIONALE:**Edited for clarity and agreement with Chapter 4.Z.

~~1)~~~~When importing disinfected eggs of the species referred to in Article 10.X.2. for aquaculture, from a country, zone or compartment not declared free from infection with [pathogen X], the Competent Authority of the importing country should assess at least the following:~~

~~a)	the likelihood that water used during the disinfection of the eggs is contaminated with [pathogen X];~~

~~b)	the prevalence of infection with [pathogen X] in broodstock (including results from testing of ovarian fluid and milt).~~

~~2)	If the Competent Authority of the importing country concludes that the importation is acceptable, it should request that risk mitigation measures are applied, including:~~

~~a)	disinfection of the eggs prior to importing, in accordance with recommendations in Chapter 4.5.; and~~

~~b)	that between disinfection and importation, eggs should not come into contact with anything which may affect their health status.~~

~~The Competent Authority should consider internal measures, such as additional disinfection of the eggs upon arrival in the importing country.~~

~~3)	When importing disinfected eggs of the species referred to in Article 10.X.2. for aquaculture, from a country, zone or compartment not declared free from infection with [pathogen X], the Competent Authority of the importing country should require that the consignment be accompanied by an international aquatic animal health certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country certifying that the procedures described in point 2(a) and (b) of this article have been fulfilled.~~

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